Beyond Your Average Brew: Discover the World of Specialty Coffee

Specialty coffee is more than just a label—it's a commitment to exceptional quality, ethical sourcing, and a unique taste experience. Recent data[1] shows that more Americans now drink specialty coffee daily than regular coffee - 46% vs 42% - reflecting a growing appreciation for what sets specialty coffee apart.

What Makes Coffee "Specialty"?

Specialty coffee is defined by strict quality standards and a rigorous scoring system established by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). To earn the specialty title, beans must score at least 80 out of 100 on the SCA’s scale, which evaluates fragrance, aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, sweetness, uniformity, and cleanliness. Only about 20% of global coffees meet these standards, making specialty coffee a rare and premium product.

SCA Scoring Breakdown

·       80–84.99: Very good specialty coffee.

·       85–89.99: Excellent specialty coffee.

·       90–100: Outstanding, rare specialty coffee.

·       Commercial coffee typically scores between 60 and 80 and does not meet specialty standards.

See our blog: Coffee Cupping Competition and Why It Matters. 

From Farm to Cup: The Specialty Coffee Journey

Origin & Production: Specialty coffees are often single-origin or single-estate, meaning beans come from a specific region or even a single farm, such as the Hāmākua region on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Harvesting: Beans are hand-picked at peak ripeness, grown in unique microclimates, and processed with meticulous care.

Roasting: Expert roasting is essential to unlock each bean’s full flavor potential, with each batch tailored to highlight its unique profile.

Sustainability: Specialty coffee production emphasizes respect for the land and sustainable farming, supporting both the environment and local communities.

Specialty vs. Regular Coffee: Key Differences

Why Specialty Coffee Is Surpassing Regular Coffee

Several factors explain why specialty coffee now surpasses regular coffee in US daily consumption:

Superior Quality and Unique Flavors: Consumers seek smooth, flavorful, and carefully crafted coffee experiences, moving away from the bitterness and uniformity of mass-produced coffee.

Ethical and Sustainable Choices: Many Americans prefer brands that emphasize fair trade, direct sourcing, and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Increased Coffee Knowledge: Social media, coffee blogs, and barista competitions have educated the public about coffee origins, roasting, and brewing, deepening appreciation for specialty coffee.

Customization and Innovation: Specialty coffee shops excel at offering customizable drinks, from espresso-based beverages to cold brews and nitro coffees, appealing to a broad range of tastes.

At-Home Brewing Trends: The pandemic accelerated at-home coffee consumption, with more Americans investing in high-quality beans and brewing equipment, often choosing specialty coffee for its superior taste and freshness.

Hawaii-Grown Coffee: Rarity and Quality

Hawaii-grown coffee makes up just 0.04% of global coffee production, highlighting its rarity and exclusivity. Not all Hawaii-grown coffee qualifies as specialty grade; only those meeting the SCA’s 80+ point threshold earn this distinction

Hog Heaven Coffee Differencde

Hog Heaven Coffee is the only Hawaiian coffee farm to have consistently achieve specialty grade status in the Hāmākua district, winning the district title three years in a row in statewide coffee cupping competition.

By choosing Hog Heaven Coffee, you’re supporting small local farm, while enjoying unparalleled flavor, and you’re directly helping to ensure a sustainable future for the land and community.

Conclusion

Now you know: specialty coffee isn’t just a slogan – it’s a promise of quality, sustainability, and extraordinary taste. Are you ready to experience specialty coffee?

Join those who value superior quality, ethical sourcing and, support the work of local farms whose passion is toward a more sustainable coffee future.

Explore our shop menu today.